Translational Research Projects
With our research for the clinicial practice in orthopedics and trauma surgery we improve patient care and creat innovations for joint implants and to support fracture healing. Through a better understanding of biological processes during healing, we develop new therapies and products for accelerating healing processes. In order to translate our findings into clinicial practice we closely collaborate with national and international partners in industry and academia.
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Faster from Research to the Clinic
Clinical Incubator CLIC
The BIH Clinical Incubator (CLIC) at the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité, is a dynamic platform designed to accelerate the development of Advanced and Personalized Therapies (APTs) by bridging the gap between cutting-edge biomedical research and real-world clinical application. With a focus on transforming innovative therapeutic concepts into viable clinical solutions, CLIC offers startups and research teams an optimal environment for de-risking projects and fast-tracking them toward clinical trials.
Implants designed to unlock the body's natural regeneration potential
Blueprint Biomed - The new standard of care for bone regeneration
At Blueprint Biomed we develop the new standard of care for bone regeneration with a biodegradable, stand-alone and off-the-shelf implant that unlocks the body’s natural regeneration potential. Our cell-, tissue- and growth factor-free technology provides the ideal structure and mechanical properties to stimulate the healing capacity of the resident cells within the tissue, avoiding the need for bone harvesting. We optimize surgical workflows and increase patient safety, providing a faster and more cost-effective solution.
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Medical Product Development ongoing
Advanced therapy for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
PROTO – A Phase I/IIa trial
One treatment approach developed within the PROTO Consortium for the management of knee osteoarthritis is a cell therapy based on modern biotechnological methods. It involves the use of mesenchymal cells derived from the placenta and cultured in the laboratory. These cells possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. As part of the study currently underway, these cells are injected once into the affected knee joint. The aim of the treatment is to positively influence the inflammatory environment within the joint and thereby break the vicious cycle of inflammation and progressive cartilage degradation. The study is being conducted as a Phase I study followed by a Phase II study. The initial focus is on investigating the safety and tolerability of the therapy. In addition, the study will assess whether there are initial indications of efficacy, particularly in terms of pain reduction, improved joint function and an overall better quality of life for patients. The approach therefore aims not only to alleviate symptoms, but also to intervene early in the disease mechanisms of osteoarthritis and to have a lasting positive impact on the course of the disease.
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Clinical Study ongoing
Improving how we test therapies for bone loss
OSTEORBIT - Human 3D bone tissue platform for drug testing
OSTEORBIT develops a human 3D bone tissue platform for faster, more human-relevant preclinical testing of therapies against bone loss, with the potential to reduce reliance on animal models. Using Xolography, the team will create bone-mimetic matrices, mature them into tissue models on Earth, and then expose them to microgravity. The approach addresses two connected challenges: protecting skeletal health during long-duration spaceflight and advancing treatments for bone loss associated with ageing or prolonged immobilisation on Earth. The project combines BIH at Charité’s expertise in bone mechanobiology, matrix biophysics, translational research and space bioprinting with xolo GmbH’s expertise in Xolography, biofabrication and cartridge engineering. OSTEORBIT is funded as part of the SPRIND Challenge Orbital Bioworks.
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Drug testing platform development ongoing
Personalised fracture treatment to prevent impaired bone healing
PRECISION - Planned Phase II Study
While most fractures heal completely, our recent data indicate that more than of patients experience delayed or non-healing, necessitating additional interventions. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for tailored treatment strategies. CD8+ TEMRA cells serve as promising prognostic biomarkers for predicting healing outcomes. Building on insights from the multicenter BioBone Study, we confirmed the value of this biomarker. In our phase I IloBone study, we are evaluating the safety of local pharmacological intervention using Iloprost in patients with proximal humerus fractures. Our subsequent phase II trial, the PRECISION study, integrates prognostic and therapeutic strategies to reduce compromised bone healing in high-risk patients effectively.
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Clinical Study planned
Iloprost for immunomodulatory support of bone healing
ILOBONE - A monocentric Phase I/IIa Study
This clinical trial is investigating whether the local application of iloprost can be safely used to improve bone healing in patients with proximal humerus fractures. The healing of proximal humerus fractures is largely determined by the biological processes occurring in the early phase following injury. In particular, the initial inflammatory response plays a central role in the subsequent course of bone regeneration and, if dysregulated, can contribute to complications. This clinical trial investigates whether the active substance iloprost, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, can be specifically used in this early phase to positively influence healing.
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Clinical Study completed
Musculoskeletal Advanced Therapy
HIPGEN - A Multicenter Phase III Trial
HIPGEN aims at bringing the first regenerative therapy for improving recovery following a surgically treated injury to market approval. The major focus of the HIPGEN are patients undergoing to total or hemiarthoplasty after hip fracture. A multi-center phase III clinical study with 240 patients will be perfomed to determine the efficacy, safety and tolerability of allogeneic PLX-PAD cells to improve recovery following arthroplasty for hip fracture.
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Clinical Study completed
Improving Implants Through a Better Understanding of Loads
Orthoload - Real-world data on joint and implant loading in everyday life
OrthoLoad is a publicly accessible research database containing measurement data on the loads that implants and joints are exposed to during everyday activities. The data were collected using instrumented implants directly in patients. They provide insights into the forces that implants need to withstand during everyday and sporting activities and therefore provide important information for the development, evaluation, and optimization of implants and surgical techniques. In this way, OrthoLoad provides a scientific foundation for advancing joint surgery, with the aim of making implants safer, more durable, and more functional in the long term, thereby continuously improving patient care.
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Research Database established
Knee Motion Made Clear for Smarter Treatment Pathways
Movement.MRI
Knee injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions and can lead to pain, instability, and long-term joint degeneration. Conventional MRI provides detailed but largely static images and may therefore miss abnormalities that become apparent during movement. Movement.MRI addresses this diagnostic gap by enabling dynamic visualization of the knee during movement. The technology aims to provide new insights into joint function and support more precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation. A working prototype has been developed and tested, with initial feasibility studies completed together with clinical partners. The long-term goal is to establish dynamic MRI as a clinical tool for personalized musculoskeletal care and to extend the technology to other joints and conditions.
Diagnosis of bone healing impairments
Prognostic biomarker
In around 5–15% of patients, healing complications occur, meaning that fractures heal slowly or fail to heal at all. Until now, there has been no reliable way of predicting the healing process at an early stage. In the BioBone study , CD8+ TEMRA cells were investigated and validated as a preoperative prognostic biomarker for predicting healing outcomes following fracture. This opens up the possibility of making individualised treatment decisions as early as in primary care, including the targeted use of adjunctive therapies such as growth factors or suitable cell therapies, which are not currently used routinely.
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Biomarker study completed
Lower back pain diagnosis
Around-the-clock measurements of spinal shape and motion
We developed and validated diagnostic devices that enable measurements of spinal posture, shape and motion during daily activities. These measurement devices are wireless, portable and allow long-term measurements for up to 24 hours without restrictions for the patient. As a result, our functional analysis allows a more comprehensive diagnosis of low back pain patients then current clinical diagnostic approaches. It has also the advantage that patients are not exposed to any radiation.
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Measurement device established
Diagnosis of in vivo acting loads
OrthoLoadLab
With the establishment of the “OrthoLoadLab,” a specialized laboratory research infrastructure for functional movement analysis and diagnostics was created. The “OrthoLoadLab” is the only laboratory in the world that combines conventional motion analysis with 3D X-ray fluoroscopy in a virtual environment. By providing these unique, in-vivo movement data, together with direct, function-specific clinical research and evaluation, the “OrthoLoadLab” offers scientists, companies, physicians, and patients improved opportunities in research, diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare.
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Established
Prevention of osteoarthritis following knee surgery
PROTO – Personalised digital training to reduce inflammation by correcting abnormal movement patterns in early-stage osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, often as a result of injuries such as torn ligaments. Even after surgery, these injuries can lead to long-term joint problems. Current treatments cannot completely prevent the development of OA. This study is testing a new 12-week exercise programme designed to improve knee movement using a special sensor-based system. The aim is to reduce joint inflammation and prevent the development of OA in patients who have had knee surgery.
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Patient study ongoing
Prevention through early detection of incorrect movement patterns
BeMoveD - Berlin Movement Diagnostics
BeMoveD is a biomechanical analysis for gait and running offered by the JWI. Based on a thorough initial medical check and with modern analytical methods, we evaluate the gait and running characteristics of patients as well as hobby and professional athletes. During the examination of the movement, we consider the biomechanical aspects of the entire body of the investigated person with regard to the latest research findings. Thus, we can identify errors in the movement pattern, recognise causes of pain and injuries in the musculoskeletal system and uncover shortcomings in the gait or in the running technique.
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Runnig analysis established
